Commander of Abyei joint force says security situation remains calm

By Ngor Arol Garang

July 29, 2009 (ABYEI) — Colonel Valentino Tokmac, the head of the Joint Integrated Units (JIUs) in Abyei, said security situation in Abyei remains calm and his force continues to monitor the situation closely.

According to Abyei roadmap, the Sudan Armed Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army have to withdrawal their troops from the area and established a new 640 members JIUs there.

Since July 22, the date of the announcement of Abyei Award by The Hague based arbitration court the joint units with the support of the UNMIS peacekeepers patrol the area to avert any military confrontation.

“Our forces together with UN military observers and police have these days been going in and out of the town but have not learnt anything related to and/or registered security concern, said the SPLA colonel.

He further stressed that civilians, who fled the town prior to the ruling fearing there would be military confrontation between the SPLA and SAF, have returned to the town following peaceful announcement of the ruling.

Asked whether he expects any military confrontation when borders will be demarcated, he said, “well; let’s not predict but I am sure there will be no confrontation because, two sides have expressed commitment to honor the ruling.”

Colonel Tokmac further said politicians from both sides reiterated their commitment to implement the arbitration ruling; hence this gives indication that chances of military confrontation is next to impossibility, he reassured.

He also dismissed any troops buildup in the area from both sides.

“SPLA is far south and so is SAF brigade 31 at Nyama. None of the two forces which clashed in Abyei remains at the vicinity of the town,” he said.

He further stressed that the town is completely under the control of the joint army and police command with regular patrols by UN forces.

On July 20 the UN envoy to Sudan Ashraf Qazi, warned that the UN mission has in its mandate a Chapter VII paragraph with regard to protection of civilians.

“We are mandated to protect civilians who are in imminent danger of physical harm within our capabilities and in accordance with our mandate without prejudice to the primary responsibility of the two governments, the GoSS [Government of Southern Sudan] and the government of Sudan.”

(ST)